Vengeance is Mine

By Ian Smith

In Nursery Rhymes, D.C.I. Keir Dickson put two young brothers behind bars for eight years. In They Never Saw It Coming, the government devised a two-year plan to reduce the congested English prisons. A priest by the name of Fr. Sean O’Brien takes on the task of rehabilitating the two brothers, or so it appeared. The real purpose of taking on these two brothers was to wreak vengeance on the police and British army. D.C.I. Keir Dickson foils the priest plan, who is injured, and loses his right hand when he is finally captured.

The story now continues with Sean O’Brien escaping from the hospital bed, and is still intent on seeking revenge: revenge for the death of his two twin brothers that were shot trying to run a roadblock in Ireland by British soldiers, and for the torture he was submitted to.

D.C.I. Keir Dickson and his team now have the task of finding O’Brien, and finally bringing him to justice for good.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jul 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398497894

Ian Smith

Ian Smith was born and brought up in Edinburgh where he was educated at Heriot’s and the University of Edinburgh before joining the army and later setting up his own dental practice. He played nine Tests for Scotland from 1969 to 1970. He lives in Norfolk. 

Book preview

About the Author

Ian was born in Essex in England, and at the age of 11 became abscessed with writing; it began with poems, then stories – mostly written for his own enjoyment. It wasn’t until he emigrated, with his family, to Australia that a chance meeting with a friend, who suggested that he should think of publishing one of his stories; the first being, Nursery Rhymes, and then They Never Saw It Coming, a sequel. He has now followed it with Vengeance Is Mine, a follow on from his two previous novels. His latest book Titania’s Treasure is awaiting publication.

Dedication

This novel is dedicated to my loving Shirley, Fiona, Gracey, Joel and Ross.

Copyright Information ©

Ian Smith 2023

The right of Ian Smith to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398497870 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398497887 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781398497894 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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E14 5AA

Chapter One

Has he gone? Bill asked.

Keir, leaning back in his chair smiling, said, Yes, sunshine, and chuckled. Our Ex-Superintendent Parker, affectionately known to all and sundry as Nosy, is probably at this very moment, sitting on a Brighton beach, in a deck chair, a handkerchief tied at all four corners stuck on his head, his trousers rolled up to his knees, contemplating whether or not to cover the stony Brighton beach crossing, to dabble his bunions in the bloody freezing cold English Channel.

So who’s replacing him, Tel? Bill asked.

Trevor is going to pop down a couple a time a week, just to keep an eye, until Nosy’s replacement arrives, Keir replied.

Any idea who that might be, Tel? Bill asked.

Well, Keir began, Trevor is being very cagey, all he’s told me is, it’s someone by the name of Jarman and that he’s quite a bit younger than Nosy when he became superintendent, and from all accounts very cluey, not Nosy, this Jarman chap, he replied.

Any idea where he’s from? Bill inquired.

All I managed to get out of Trevor was that this Jarman chap has been overseas, for quite a few years, but he got to the top the hard way, whatever that is supposed to mean, so he didn’t suck his way to the top, from all accounts.

Well from what you’ve just told me, he sounds just what the doctor did or didn’t order, Bill chuckled.

Well! Anything is better than Nosy has been for the last month, Keir replied.

What are you talking about, Tel? He was never here, mind you his golf handicap has dropped. Bill stated grinning.

Precisely Bill, every time I needed the prick, he was either on the green or in a bunker, bloody load of good that was, anyway more to the point, how’s Liam? Keir asked.

Don’t you mean the Sisco Kid? came the reply, He’s fine now, poor sod actually thought that he had shot that cafe owner.

That was a bloody near call, Bill, thank god Trevor’s mates were there, why he wanted to go solo, I’ll never know.

I think it was the way the brothers were taken out that made Liam want to pay that priest back, Bill replied.

And talking about that Irish prick, Keir began, what’s happened to the bastard?

Well, that projectile that Trevor’s sniper used, took out all eight carpal bones, it’s designed that on impact, it opens up into four pieces, whereas an ordinary bullet makes a half inch hole, this bullet opens up to about four inches, so it’s a waste of time trying to reattach the hand, all the carpal bones are gone, so all he’s going to end up with is a stump, Bill stated.

I couldn’t give a rat’s arse, what he’s left with Bill, all I want to know is, what’s happened to the bastard?

Bill smiled at his mate. Well, he began, thanks to you he won’t lose his arm, your quick thinking with that tourniquet, saved it, he’s in a room on his own, his left hand handcuffed to the bed, and two local lads sitting outside his room with orders not to allow anyone in, except by Superintendents Woods strict instructions, so you can sleep tonight, or whatever, he chuckled.

Should have let the bastard bleed to death, Keir retorted.

Chapter Two

Keir had arrived early that morning, two cups of piping hot, strong sweet black coffee sitting on his desk, and a copy of the local rag in his hands, when his office door tentatively opened and a grinning Bill Day stood there, Your coffee, mate, Keir stated, looking up from the Gray’s and Tilbury newspaper. Bill crossed the floor and sat down opposite his mate smiling, Keir folded the local rag, then tossed it into his waste bin, Well that was a waste of time, unless you’re interested in the Thurrock Council and the Exmouth swimming pool, he stated, looking at Bill’s smiling face, get your leg over last night, Bill? he asked returning Bill’s smile.

Actually no, Tel, Bill replied, still smiling, so what’s the Cheshire Cat routine for? he asked. Bill picked up his mug of coffee, blew across the top and took a sip, Saw our new Super this morning, nice set of wheels, looked like a nineteen fifty’s Morgan, Liam’s going to have his work cut out keeping up with it, he chuckled.

Keir sat up straight, What’s he like? he asked stern faced.

About five nine five ten, not in bad shape, nothing like Nosy, even got a smile, Bill replied.

Did he say anything, Bill? Keir asked.

Only good morning, Bill replied. Trying to put on a straight face.

Well in that case, we’ll finish our coffee’s and then pay our new leader a visit, shall we Bill? Keir inquired.

Love to, mate, but I’m wanted, you go, let me know what you think of our new leader, he said, draining his mug, and placing it back on Keir’s desk.

Be back in a couple of hours, mate, he managed to say as he closed Keir’s office door.

Oh well, here goes, Keir said to his empty office, as he picked up the two empty coffee mugs, and left his office heading for the canteen. Six minutes later Keir found himself outside the Superintendents door, shrugging his broad shoulders, he knocked, then waited, receiving no reply he knocked again and this time received a ‘Yes’.

Keir, turning the doorknob opened the door and entered, the sight that struck him was a female, dressed in jeans, roll neck sweater, and wearing cowboy boots, in her right hand she had a feather duster and her left a cup, she looked to be in her early thirties, shoulder length auburn hair, when she smiled at Keir showing perfect white teeth, Keir returned the smile to this very attractive young woman, Cleaner, he said to himself.

Come in please, I won’t be a minute, this office hasn’t seen a feather duster in ages, she chuckled.

So where’s this new Super? Keir asked himself.

And you are? She enquired smiling. Keir was a bit taken aback by this question, Why does a cleaner want to know who I am, he thought, as she walked towards him smiling.

Er! I’m DCI Dickson, why? he asked, a quizzical look on his face.

Sorry, she said, placing the feather duster under her left arm, and offering Keir her right hand, my names Fiona Jarman, and I’m very pleased to meet you Keir, it is Keir isn’t it, I may call you Keir, I’ve been told so much about you, it will be a pleasure working with you.

I’ll bloody well kill that Bill Day when I see him next, he said to himself, as he took Fiona’s out stretched hand, and was taken aback by the strength of her handshake, nice to meet you Ma’am.

No! Keir, it’s not Ma’am, in here, or when we aren’t in company, it’s Fiona, okay?

Yes Ma’am, err, Fiona, he managed to reply, I know it’s not the norm, but neither am I, as you’ll find out, I hear you have a great team, and I will work hard to be part of your team, I’m not going to be sitting behind this desk, she said, pointing, if I can help you in any way, and if you will let me, we’ll get on like a house on fire.

Can I sit down, Ma—Fiona? Keir asked.

So, Trevor Woods, she began, no! He bloody well didn’t, Fiona cracked up laughing. Sorry she managed to eventually say, as she slumped down in her chair, well in that case Keir, we’ll have to return the complement, won’t we, and I know just how to do just that, she chuckled rubbing her hands together.

Keir grinned. And how are we going to achieve that, M! Fiona? he asked.

This has got to be between you and me Keir, Yes? she asked.

Mum’s the word, he replied grinning.

Chapter Three

The four catholic priests walked slowly towards the two police officers sitting outside Shaun O’Brien’s room, on seeing the approaching clergy both police officer stood, Sorry father, but no one is allowed into this room, the nearest officer to the priests stated. The leading clergy smiled at the two officers and withdrew from his inside pocket a large sealed envelope, We have been to see your superiors in London, a Mr Trevor Woods, and he would like you to accommodate the holy father’s wishes, he said, offering the large envelope to the closest officer.

Both officers gazed at the Logo heading, Metropolitan Police, then at each other, I am Mon Signor Alberto from the Vatican, once you have read that letter, you are at liberty to phone your superior, and mention my name, officers, he said, bowing his head and smiling. The police officer holding the envelope removed a small penknife from his trouser pocket, and on opening it, slit open the envelope and removed the Metropolitan headed sheet of paper, the four Priest watched as the two officers read, To whom it may concern. The prisoner Shaun O’Brien has been Excommunicated from the Catholic Church. Mon Signor Alberto has brought from the Vatican a document that the prisoner has to sign confirming his Excommunication, please allow them the privacy to carry out the Vatican’s wishes. Signed, T. Woods.

If you wish to phone New Scotland Yard and speak to Mr Woods, we will wait on your return officers, Mon Signor said, smiling. Both officers gazed once more at the letter, shrugged their shoulders and opened the door.

Thank you my son, may god be with you, the Mon Signor stated as the four priest entered the room. Both officers looked at each other, shrugged their shoulder and sat back down. Ten minutes later the door opened and three of the priest began walking down the corridor, Mon Signor stood in the doorway as the three other priest made their way out, he turned closing the door behind him and smiled at the two seated officer. Thank you both for your consideration my sons, his holy father will be most grateful.

You’re welcome father, came the twin replies.

Ben looked across at his mate who was just about to dose of to sleep, You want a coffee Jack? he shouted, bringing his mate wide awake.

This sitting on your arse for eight hour sucks, he stated standing up, I’ll get them this time, do you want anything to eat Ben? he asked.

See if they’ve got any of those chocolate eclairs left, cheers mate, our reliefs should be here in forty five minutes, so make it quick, Jack.

Will do mate, Jack replied as he strode away towards the cafeteria.

Allen Oakley, Now! Police Sergeant Allen Oakley, stepped out of the Wolseley police car, and opened the rear door to allow the two brand new W.P.Cs to exit the vehicle.

This is a doddle of an assignment ladies, all you have to do is sit on your pretty bottoms for eight hours, and under no circumstances let anybody into the prisoners room except for nurses which you will accompany into the room and wait with them until they exit. There’s a cafeteria, so one of you can take it in turns getting something to drink, and I do believe that there is a library, but someone has to be outside that room at all times, okay? he asked smiling, as the trio approached the two seated officers.

Yes Sarge, came the reply. Allen loved the sound of this new word, when other officers answered his questions or orders, Yes Sarge, No Sarge, Will do Sarge, would cause a wide grin to spread across his face.

Your reliefs are here lads, he shouted as the trio approached the two seated police officers.

All quiet on the western front, I presume? Allen asked smiling.

Yes Sarge, That word again.

Just those four priests a Mon Signors, from the Vatican, the officer called Jack informed him, All four officers watch the blood drain from Allen’s face.

What! Priest? Allen screamed, rushing forward, The priest, Superintendent Woods said to let them see the prisoner, Jack said, offering Allen the large envelope, tearing open the package Allen ran his eyes over the headed sheet of paper.

Do you know Superintendents Woods signature constable, and did you call him to confirm it, and did you check the prisoner after these priests had left? he asked. As he yanked open the prisoners door.

No Sarge, came a mumbled reply. Allen yanked back the sheets covering the still body of a man, Who the fuck is this, he hollered, as the four officers rush into the room, the two male officers white faced, the two WPC grinning.

When did these so-called priest leave here? He shouted, the officer named Ben looked at his wrist-watch.

Just over a hour ago, Sarge, he mumbled.

You two, he shouted pointing at the two male officers, back to the yard, and hand in your warrant card, your suspended. On second thoughts, you stay right where you are, DCI Dickson will want to question you both, before he blows what little brains you’ve got, out through your stupid arses, then pointing at one of the WPCs, get on the car radio, and tell DCI Dickson to get his arse down here pronto.

Yes Sarge, what do I tell him? he was asked. Allen slumped down onto a chair, his head in his hands, Tell him, the fucking prisoner has escaped, he managed to say.

Chapter Four

The two W.P.C.s shot to attention on hearing running footsteps approaching. As Keir and Bill Day came skidding to a halt outside the room, At ease, ladies, Keir stated. Leaning against the door jamb trying to get his breath back, Bill Day bending over hyperventilating. Keir pushed back his shoulders and entered, his first sight was Sergeant Allen Oakley bent over on a seat his head in his hands, the second sight was two constables sitting on the floor, You two outside, and wait, I’ll deal with you two later, he ordered.

On hearing Keir’s voice, Allen shot up out of his chair, Sorry Gov, he said.

What happened, Allen? Keir asked.

All I know, Gov, he began, is what those two have told me, he said, pointing at the door, where the two constables had exited.

They told me that four priests gave them a letter from Superintendent Woods, he said, offering Keir the sheet of typed paper, that, O’Brien was being excommunicated from the Catholic Church, and he had to sign some document to confirm it, and the stupid bastards fell for it, when I came in here and pulled back the sheets I found this, he said, pulling the sheet back again.

Has anybody touched anything, Allen? Keir asked.

No Gov, I pulled the sheet back when I rushed in, that’s when I realised something was wrong, and covered him up again until you arrived, but whoever he is he’s out cold.

Or dead, they heard Bill say, as he walked towards the prone figure laying on the bed.

I bloody well hope he’s not dead Bill, he’s got quite a few questions to answer, Bill walked to the head of the bed, placing his middle and index finger on the man’s neck, sorry Tel, this gentleman won’t be answering any of your question, I’m sorry to say.

Shit, came the reply.

And what! May I ask is going on here? Was heard, as a stout looking Matron pushed her way passed the two W.P.C.s and into the room, This is a crime scene madam, so I would like you to leave, Now! Keir stated.

I am not a Madam, I am Matron of this hospital, and this is a private ward, and I would like to know why Mr Lazel is laying in this bed, when he should be in the general ward, and where is the patient that was here? she asked. Her hands on her hips, her ample bust pushing forward.

You know this man? Keir asked.

And what business is it of yours, young man? The Matron replied.

Keir extracted his warrant card from his inside pocket and held it up, DCI Keir Dickson Matron, the person that was in this bed has absconded and this gentleman has taken his place, he said, pointing at the now deceased person.

Bill Day moved forward into the Matrons line of sight, Hello Alice, he said, smiling, the Matron seeing Bill returned his smile.

Bill Day, she whispered, what on earth are you doing here? She enquired.

Came to see if you were behaving your young self, he chuckled.

I’ll give you, Young! You old flatterer, she replied smiling.

Not so much of the old, Alice, if you don’t mind. But we have a problem, and it must remain in this room, the man that was in this room is of concern to us, and we don’t know who this chap is, he said, pointing at the prone figure.

That’s easy, this is Mr Leonard Lazel, poor fellow, but what he’s doing in here, I wouldn’t have a clue, when he comes in, it’s to the general ward for his treatment.

What treatment would that be, Alice? Bill asked.

Matron put her hands to her mouth, I’m afraid he’s terminal Bill, cancer is right through the poor chaps body, he’ll be lucky to see another month, all we can do is fill him with pain killing drugs, but they bind him up, so three or four times a week, he comes in for, well you know what, she said.

Bill pulled the sheets all the way back, and looked down at the prone figure laying on its side, easing it over onto its back, Bill pointed to the corpses left arm, He was helped, he said, taking a plastic bag from his jacket pocket, and removing the hypodermic needle that was embedded in the man’s vein.

He’s dead? Matron whispered, placing both her hands over her mouth, But why! He only had weeks to live.

Bill placed his arm around her shoulder, and squeezed, Sorry about this, Alice, but this room is now a crime scene, no hospital personnel in this room, and can you give us all the information you have on your Mr Leonard Lazel, please, he said as he escorted her out of the room.

Chapter Five

Keir was sitting at his desk going over what had happened the day before, Christine had sensed that something was wrong when Keir had returned home that evening, so had Shambuck and Ntombi and despite the trio’s best efforts they could not bring a smile to his face.

It’s nothing to do with here my precious, he had said, it’s to do with a problem at the station, but we’ll get there, he said, forcing a smile.

If you want to bounce things off me darling, I’m here, she had said.

Keir was brought back to reality by a knock on his door. Come, he shouted, as the door inched open, and Superintendent Fiona Jarman’s head appeared, okay to come in Keir? she asked smiling.

You never need to ask ‘Ma’ Fiona, my door is always open, Keir replied, rising from his chair, as a fully uniformed Superintendent walked into his office.

I’m going to introduce myself to the whole station this morning Keir, then after, could you get your team together and fill me in on what happened yesterday, I know the basics, that the prisoner absconded, but I would like to talk to the people that were there, if that’s okay? she asked.

Look, Keir began, pointing to a chair, you are our Superintendent, so you can do whatever you wish, he said, smiling.

As Fiona sat down, Thank you Keir, Fiona replied straightening her shirt, but as you have already deduced, this is my first assignment as a Superintendent, and I’m going to need help, your help, Yes I know all the legalities of the position, and I have been informed as to what my predecessor was like.

Keir smiled. But I want you to know, that that! Will not be happening from now on, do I make myself clear? she asked. Keir stood up, and leaning over his desk offered Fiona his right hand, a grin spreading across his face, Crystal, he replied.

Good! Now can you give me your thoughts on what happened yesterday please? she asked. As a sharp knock on Keir’s door made both Keir and Fiona glance in that direction.

Have you… Bill began as he entered, then seeing Fiona stopped, Ma’am, he stated.

Come in, sit down, and shut up, Keir stated.

This is, as you bloody well know, is our new Superintendent, Miss, he stopped and looked at Fiona, who nodded in response, Fiona Jarman.

Sorry Tel, came Bill’s sheepish reply.

I was just about to state what happened yesterday, when you barged in, so I’ll continued, shall I? Bill sat down and just nodded his head.

Well Ma’am, Keir began, it would appear, that four so-called priests conned two police officer who were supposed to be guarding the prisoner, by showing them a letter from, supposedly Superintendent Trevor Woods, stating that they had a letter from the Vatican, that the prisoner was going to be excommunicated from the Catholic Church, and that the prisoner had to sign this document, confirming his excommunication, and unfortunately the two police officers, didn’t follow procedure, and verify the signature, or call him to confirm the enclosed request, it would appear that one of the so-called priests was a gentleman called Leonard Lazel, a terminally ill patient, who we found had had his death brought forward by a syringe in his left arm, which Bill, he said, looking at his mate, is having examined.

Cyanide, Bill retorted, so we have a murder, do we? Fiona asked.

Keir looked across at Bill and nodded. Well Ma’am ethically speaking, yes we do, Mr Lazel was alive when they injected him with the cyanide, but he must have known what was going to happen, he knew he was dying and only had a short time to live, and they would have put him out before they injected the cyanide, so it was an assisted death, Bill said.

We are dealing with some very clever criminals, gentlemen, Fiona stated.

I assume Mr Lazel was married, so a visit to his wife would be in order, and ask her if her husband spoke with her the last time she saw him, I’ll bet her bank balance has improved, he knew he was dying, and this way he would be providing for his wife, and probably children, she said, Bill looked at Keir, they both smiled.

We’ve got a good one here, Keir said to himself.

Chapter Six

Fiona strode into the main detectives office smiling, as all assembled rose to their feet, raising her right hand she said, Please be seated, ladies and gentlemen, as she stood behind the rostrum at the head of the room.

My name is Fiona Jarman, she began, and I am very lucky to have been given this station, which received smiles and a round of applause, I have my ideas how this station should be run, and you have yours, and when we put both our ideas together, this is going to be the most efficient station in the U.K. More smiles and applause plus cheers.

My door, she continued, will always be open, if you have a problem, and I can help, I will, but it does have to be a real problem, Not! The toilet paper in the loo is too thin, she said, smiling, which received laughter from all assembled in the room.

I’m going to have a letter box fitted just outside my door, so that if I’m not available just pop your problem in the box, with your name and rank, any questions? she asked.

There was silence for a minute, then a voice said, Where have you been?

Hong Kong, Fiona replied smiling, as she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her, but waited for a second listening, to hear a roar and someone say, God she’s fucking gorgeous Fiona threw back her head smiling, and skipped along the corridor.

Chapter Seven

Fiona sat smiling at the five faces sitting opposite her, Superintendent Trevor Woods said, that he would try and get here sometime today, she began, but in the meantime I think we have a lot to talk about, regarding the escaped prisoner, has anybody had any ideas? she asked.

Liam Smith rose from his chair, D.S. Liam Smith, Ma’am, he began, "I think we are dealing with a very well organised bunch of criminals, obviously they must have planned this escape down to